8 Sustainable Heels to Step Up In

Final Up to date on June 6, 2023

So far as we all know, heels originated in Tenth-century Persia, and, surprisingly or not, heels had been meant for males solely “to safe their toes within the stirrups and provides them extra leverage when preventing,” as L’Officiel points out. Carrying heels was a logo of energy and energy — and standing, too, provided that not everybody might afford horses at the moment.

Persian royalty expanded the type to France within the seventeenth century, and shortly, heels had been widespread amongst rich European males. Not lengthy after, girls from the wealthier European courts started to put on heeled footwear to “achieve some of the social benefits they accrued.” That’s when heels began to be related to sexuality and eroticism.

Since then and over the many years, trending heel varieties have modified all through completely different generations underneath the affect of each female and male icons: from the pin-ups carrying excessive heels within the 40s, to the 60s when girls had been choosing kitten heels à-la Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” to the ‘70s disco period with platforms and clogs actually gaining momentum additionally due to glam rock’s artists like David Bowie. And once more: the return of the kitten heels within the ‘90s, with Princess Diana leading the way, then again to wedges and rock star-inspired platforms and cowboy boots within the ‘00s (assume Freddie Mercury and the Queen, or Steven Tyler and the Aerosmith).

Some folks could surprise the way it’s potential that carrying excessive heels has endured as a style development till as we speak, given how uncomfortable they are often. However in the event you’ve embraced strolling in heels  — excessive, low, skinny, chunk, no matter they’re — we put collectively an inventory of sustainable manufacturers to bear in mind if it’s good to get a brand new pair.

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The title itself carries this model’s mission: No Animal Exploitation. NAE is a longtime model responding to the rising demand for vegan footwear and equipment since 2008. Domestically manufactured in licensed and moral factories, NAE’s heels assortment contains each décolleté and open-toe sandals. A particular point out to the pure cork-made heeled sandals, a real Portuguese signature!

Value: USD 98-123

Measurement vary: US 5-10
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/reclaimed supplies, Vegan, Manufacturing facility transparency
Availability: Based mostly in Portugal, ships worldwide

AERA is a New York-based model recognized for its luxurious slingbacks, pumps, sandals, and boots. The 100% vegan footwear are fully made in Italy by producers dedicated to utilizing “decrease plastic-content supplies and supplies with an elevated proportion of recycled content material.” Should you’re on the hunt for heels to treasure that don’t compromise on high quality, type, and luxury — this model could simply develop into your go-to.

Value: USD 425-850

Measurement vary: US 5-13
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/reclaimed supplies, Vegan, Provides again, Plastic-free packaging, B Corp, Carbon impartial transport
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships throughout the US

Apple leather-based, coconut husk fibers, and bio-based lining from wheat and barley byproducts are simply a few of the revolutionary supplies this model adopted for its iconic boots. Designed with a sq., snug heel, Sylven New York’s vary of sustainably made boots contains traditional plain-color pairs in addition to two-tone, squared-toe, 70s-inspired items that make an announcement. 

Value: USD 345-450

Measurement vary: US 5-11
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/reclaimed supplies, Vegan, Manufacturing facility transparency, Plastic-free packaging
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships worldwide

Pioneering transparency and social accountability, Nisolo is thought to be one of many best-in-class US-based, sustainable shoe manufacturers. The model’s choice ranges from seasonal, traditional sandals and boots, to mules and clogs you possibly can put on year-round. Whereas Nisolo is dedicated to constantly enhancing and testing out new animal-free leather alternatives, for now, the model makes use of leather-based “as one of many extra sustainable choices obtainable for high-quality, sturdy footwear and equipment when it’s made and processed responsibly.”

Value: USD 170-240

Measurement vary: US 5-11
Values: Recycled/reclaimed supplies, Manufacturing facility transparency, Plastic-free packaging, B Corp, Take-back recycling program
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and plenty of European international locations

The smooth design of VEERAH’s vegan sandals, pumps, and boots will make your eyes glisten in the event you love your footwear with neat traces and chic colours. This model’s footwear are made utilizing apple leather-based, algae foam insole cushions and different pure, repurposed, and vegan supplies. VEERAH winks at your bolder self providing a sequence of versatile equipment like chains, straps, and brooches you possibly can add onto your footwear, and alter up the type while you really feel prefer it.

(psst. use coupon code VERENA for 10% off Veerah!)

Value: USD 228-448

Measurement vary: US 5-11
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/repurposed supplies, Vegan, Manufacturing facility transparency
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships worldwide

Vivaia’s low-heel footwear scream consolation from all angles! Made utilizing revolutionary fibers corresponding to rice husks and Artemisia argyi, along with recycled supplies, these footwear are extremely light-weight, wide-feet accredited, additional breathable, in addition to foldable and moveable. Decide your fave amongst kitten heels, wedges, or chunky heels. 

Value: USD 60-255

Measurement vary: US 5-10 +customized
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/repurposed supplies, Provides again, Plastic-free packaging, Low-waste manufacturing
Availability: Based mostly within the UK, ships worldwide

This US-based, Mediterranean-inspired model makes “genuine Spanish espadrille wedges.” Biankina’s espadrilles are crafted from pure jute and natural cotton canva higher: clear, ultra-comfortable, and breathable supplies. Its wedged model contains smooth cotton ankle tie laces for individuals who lengthy for additional consolation however don’t wish to hand over on strolling a number of inches from floor.

Value: USD 115-125

Measurement vary: US 6-10
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/repurposed supplies, GOTS Licensed, Vegan, Provides again
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships worldwide

If stilettos don’t scare you, you’ll fall in love with Prota Fiori’s vary of strap sandals, elegant pumps, and sock booties. The model manufactures its high-quality footwear from plant-based and environmentally pleasant supplies corresponding to apple and grape pores and skin. Founder Jennifer Stucko additionally dedicated to designing and making footwear utilizing conventional Italian craftsmanship strategies to protect the historic authenticity and talent of artisans from the Marche area.

Value: USD 375-895

Measurement vary: US 5-12
Values: Sustainable supplies, Recycled/reclaimed supplies, Manufacturing facility transparency, Plastic-free packaging, Provides again, B Corp
Availability: Based mostly within the US, ships worldwide